Kayaking, Hiking, and Hand Gliding are Popular Past-Times in Rocky Mount
activities, hiking, kayaking, outdoors, recreation,
Video junkies beware: The great outdoors is making a comeback.
“There’s a national movement afoot to return to outdoor recreation‚ which is part of our country’s heritage‚” says David Griffin‚ outdoor recreation coordinator for the Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation Department.
Recognizing the growing trend‚ the city of Rocky Mount launched its own Outdoor Recreation Division last year to its assortment of more than 40 public parks. Its purpose is to have innovative outdoor leisure opportunities that promote physical activity‚ develop skills and build awareness of the natural environment.
Thanks to an “extremely talented staff‚” Griffin says his division now offers a wide variety of activities for the adventurer‚ the enthusiast and the novice. Some include sailing‚ kayaking‚ hiking‚ hang gliding and camping. Other popular choices include sailing classes‚ swimming lessons‚ wilderness first aid and rappelling.
“We’re open to new ideas‚” adds Griffin. “We like to try new things.”
The program welcomes participants of all skill levels‚ but focuses on the beginner who has little to no experience. Certified instructors who either work within the parks and rec system or join the team on a freelance basis teach with patience and precision.
“We want to make sure the beginners have a good experience the first time out‚” he says. “If they have fun‚ they will keep coming back.”
The new Tar River Paddle Trail‚ funded by the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources‚ features 22 miles of paddling and 10 access points on both the Tar River and Stoney Creek. Rocky Mount offers its own fleet of canoes and kayaks.
The Tar River Trail‚ the city’s greenway‚ has more than three miles of paved trail connecting five of Rocky Mount’s parks. A ropes course‚ funded by area corporate donors‚ is available for private and business groups to develop team-building skills.
The division’s programs are paid for by the city and‚ in some cases‚ through public-private partnerships. All Outdoor Recreation Division activities can be scheduled for private groups or organizations. Since the programs are part of the city parks program‚ Griffin notes that they are very affordable and a good value.
Griffin adds that the Outdoor Recreation Division has attracted a mixed group of participants.
“From activity to activity‚ it always changes‚” he says. “We have families‚ young adults‚ senior citizens and singles join together with a common interest in the outdoors. It’s been a wonderful way for people to make new friendships or build other relationships while having a fun time together.”
Story by Sharyn Matthews
Photo by Stephen Cherry
